Trade Me boosts courier service in time for Christmas

The new, improved version of Trade Me’s popular ‘Book a courier’ service launched today means members can send almost any item* to anyone in New Zealand.

Trade Me’s Head of Marketplace Stuart McLean said extending ‘Book a courier’ beyond transactions made on Trade Me alone was something customers had been requesting.

“It’s been fantastic to see Kiwis send more than 1.5 million Trade Me items via ‘Book a courier’ since it launched back in April 2016, and it’s a natural extension for us to make it easier for our members to send items to anyone in the country, even if they haven’t sold through our site.

“We’d always intended to extend ‘Book a courier’ if demand was there so we’re stoked to have new innovation going live today. We hope Kiwis embrace it and find it useful.”

Mr McLean said his team was motivated by wanting to reduce the stress of sending parcels as the frantic Christmas season loomed. “It’s a ridiculously busy time of year for lots of New Zealanders so we’re pleased to have it out well in time for the Yuletide rush. We anticipate it will make it a little bit easier to send presents to friends and family around the country.

He said there was no need for fancy packaging either. “Items can be packaged up in almost anything including Christmas wrapping or even a Santa sack, as long as the item is safe, secure and protected. Then simply write the reference number on it and the courier will collect it - you don’t even have to print a label.

“There’s no queues or waiting around: you can do everything online and it’s picked up from wherever you like.”

‘Book a courier’ prices start from $2.75 to courier a small package from Auckland to Invercargill.

How it works

Trade Me members should visit the ‘Book a courier’ section on Trade Me’s desktop site and hit the ‘Start booking’ button.

“Just choose the courier quote that suits you best - and note that prices vary based on size, weight and location. We work closely with the great folks at CourierPost and Fastway, so there’s excellent coverage across the country and very competitive rates,” Mr McLean said.

The final step is to package the item securely and choose the pick-up location. “This could be from your workplace, to your bach or front doorstep. You don’t need to be home either – just book, pop the item outside the door and you’re done.”

* We say ‘almost’ because the item must meet the terms and conditions of the courier collecting the item.

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